§ 19. Mr. Sorefasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for expediting, simplifying and decentralising planning procedures.
§ Mr. Graham PageI am sure there is scope for improvement in which both local authorities and the Department will have a part to play. We have recently made Regulations, coming into operation this week, which will have the effect of increasing to 60 per cent. the proportion of appeals decided by Inspectors. My right hon. Friend proposes to issue guidance on some other matters on which early action could be taken. He is also making a wider appraisal of the system.